Mosquitoes

Adult mosquitoes are small, fragile insects with slender bodies; one pair of narrow wings (tiny scales are attached to wing veins); and three pairs of long, slender legs. They vary in length from 3/16 to 1/2 inch. Mosquitoes have an elongate “beak” or piercing proboscis.

Mosquitoes are blood sucking insects that lay their eggs in and develop in free standing water. Only the female feeds on blood, and can be responsible for spreading many diseases such as such as Malaria, West Nile Virus, Yellow Fever, and Heartworms. A mosquito has a battery of sensors designed to track their prey.

A mosquito has a battery of sensors designed to track their prey, including:

Chemical sensors — mosquitoes can sense carbon dioxide and lactic acid up to 100 feet (36 meters) away. Just about any mammal or bird gives off these gases as part of its normal breathing. Certain chemicals in sweat also seem to attract mosquitoes (people who don’t sweat don’t get nearly as many mosquito bites).

Visual sensors — if you are wearing clothing that contrasts with the background, and especially if you move while wearing that clothing, mosquitoes can see you and zero in on you. It’s a good bet that anything moving is “alive”, and therefore full of blood, so this is a good strategy.

Heat sensors — Mosquitoes can detect heat, so they can find warm-blooded mammals and birds very easily once they get close enough.

This is one reason why mosquitoes are so good at finding and biting you.

Will not affect fish, waterfowl, mammals or beneficial predatory insects.

Convenient, no-hassle application.

How It Works

With the increased threat of mosquito-borne diseases, your customers need your help. The Altosid® 30-Day Briquet provides the solution. Each pack contains 100 Altosid Briquets—everything you need to provide complete control of mosquito larvae before they become breeding, biting adult mosquitoes. With the small pack case, you can treat a variety of standing waters sites, where mosquitoes can breed. And, you don’t have to worry about the hassles of ongoing maintenance—a single application provides consistent, slow release control you can count on. Simply apply one briquet per 100 square feet of surface area.

Adult mosquitoes rest in shrubbery and other shaded areas during the day. These areas can be treated with insecticides such as Demand, Mavrik, or Tempo SC. Most product labels will allow you to apply to surfaces where pests collect or rest.

Insect Growth Regulators

IGR’s (Insect Growth Regulators) disrupt the normal development of certain insects. When exposed to IGR’s the insect will become adults incapable of reproducing, thus ending the cycle of an infestation. Use IGR’s in areas such as, but not limited to: apartment buildings, hospitals, residential homes, hotels/motels, nursing homes, and marine vessels. Do not treat linens and mattresses.